Myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack, is a serious medical emergency that occurs when a part of the heart muscle dies due to a lack of blood flow. This lack of blood flow is usually caused by a blockage in one or more of the coronary arteries, the vessels that supply blood to the heart muscle.

Symptoms of MI:

• Chest pain or pressure, which may feel like squeezing, tightness, or burning. This pain can radiate to the shoulder, arm, jaw, back, or stomach.
• Shortness of breath
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Unexplained fatigue or weakness
• Breaking out in a cold sweat

It’s important to note that not everyone experiences all of these symptoms, and some people may experience only mild symptoms or even no symptoms at all. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to call emergency services immediately.

Preventing MI:

There are a number of things you can do to help prevent a heart attack:

• Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese increases your risk of heart disease.
• Eat a healthy diet: A diet that is low in saturated and unhealthy fats, cholesterol, and sodium, and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help to lower your risk of heart disease.
• Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
• Quit smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease.
• Control high blood pressure: High blood pressure can damage your heart and blood vessels, increasing your risk of heart attack.
• Manage stress: Chronic stress can contribute to heart disease. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as yoga, meditation, or spending time in nature.
• Control diabetes: Diabetes can damage your heart and blood vessels, increasing your risk of heart attack.

Early diagnosis and treatment of MI is crucial for reducing the risk of complications, such as heart failure, arrhythmias, and death. If you think you may be having a heart attack, call emergency services immediately.